This is the northernmost town in Italy: Predoi, a paradise in the mountains

Italy is a country with very varied landscapes: from the crystal-clear sea of southern Italy to the imposing Dolomites. Travelling to the northern extremes of the country, today we're taking a trip to the northernmost village in Italy. Located in the province of Bolzano, Predoi, also known as Prettau, is a municipality of 515 inhabitants that is worth visiting and discovering.

The history of Predoi, Italy's northernmost village

The history of Predoi is deeply intertwined with the natural environment and resources that this area has offered over the centuries. Copper has been mined here since ancient times, an activity that continued uninterrupted until the end of the 19th century. The economy was then replaced by handicrafts and, in particular, lace-making.

In terms of historical background, this location is mentioned as early as 3000 B.C. in some cave paintings. However, there are records only from the early Middle Ages onwards. Recently, the village has become an attractive tourist destination, especially during the summer season.

What to see in Predoi: the village and more

Starting in the village centre is the ideal way to discover this Aurina Valley gem. Don't miss, for example:

• Predoi Mining Museum: here you can learn about the history of the mining site and see some of the objects found in the now-closed quarries.
• Also visit the Church of Santo Spirito, a small sacred building dating back to the 15th century.
• Continuing to explore the area, the Vedrette di Ries-Aurina Natural Park boasts no less than 30 thousand hectares of protected area. The itinerary leading to the Kumpflam malga and the Klammbach waterfall is also worthwhile.
• Finally, the Climate Centre located inside the mountain is very interesting. Here it is possible to enjoy special experiences such as speleotherapy also known as 'cave therapy'.

firing_tower, CC BY 2.0Flickr

Hiking and walking in Predoi

In summer, Predoi becomes a true paradise for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. One of the most attractive trails is the one leading to the Riva di Tures waterfalls, where the rushing water creates small lakes in the fall. Not far away is also Tures Castle, a beautiful medieval fortress.

Speaking of walks, also consider adding the Valle dei Molini and Lago di Neves, an artificial lake, to your itinerary, which can also be reached on foot from the village of Lappago.

Whgler, CC BY-SA 3.0 Wikimedia commons

Predoi and surroundings: Places to explore

Exploring Predoi and its surroundings means discovering a series of enchanting places, each showcasing a different aspect of South Tyrol. A short distance from the centre, don't miss:

• Fonte della Roccia, a small village on the Aurino stream consisting mainly of alpine pastures.
• Lutago, a starting point for many hikes and an ideal place for rafting in the torrent and outdoor sports.
• Further south in the same valley is Cadipietra, a town from which direct lifts to the ski slopes depart.
• The reference village, located at the end of the state road that crosses the valley, is Bruneck, famous for its castle and picturesque old town.

Garonzi Stefania, CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia commons

Living in Predoi-Prettau

Predoi is located in the northernmost province of Italy and is a perfect place to be in contact with nature all year round. This makes it the perfect place to decide to move to or spend your holidays. With idealista you can find out all the information about the area and choose the house that best suits your needs:

• Property for sale in Predoi-Prettau
• Property for rent in Predoi-Prettau
• Holiday homes close to Predoi-Prettau in Trentino-Alto Adige